Abstract:

An isolated curl machine and method therefor is disclosed herein.
Generally, the isolated curl machine provides a resistance having a force
which is directed upward and away from the user. The machine may also
support the user's upper arms, or a portion thereof. In this manner,
training on the machine is highly focused on the biceps. The machine may
comprise a frame, a seat, an arm rest, and a resistance device. The user
may engage the machine by sitting in the seat and placing his or her arms
on the arm rest. In this position, the user may engage the resistance
device such as by grasping a handle of the resistance device. The
resistance device provides the resistance which resists movement of the
user's arm during a bicep curl and may be configured such that the force
of the provided resistance is directed upward and away from the user.

Claims:

1-13. (canceled)

14. A method for bicep training at an isolated curl machine, the isolated
curl machine comprising an arm rest and a resistance assembly, whereby
the resistance assembly provides a resistance to a user via a cable, the
method comprising:resting at least one arm on the arm rest, wherein the
elbow of the at least one arm is lower than a pulley of the resistance
assembly;extending the at least one arm and grasping the handle to
establish the at least one arm at an initial position; andmoving the at
least one arm from an initial position to an end position of a bicep curl
while grasping the handle of the resistance assembly, wherein moving the
at least one arm pulls the handle downward toward the user to overcome
the resistance, the resistance having a force vector directed upward and
away from the user.

15. The method of bicep training of claim 14 further comprising moving the
at least one arm from the end position to the initial position of the
bicep curl while grasping the handle of the resistance assembly.

16. The method of bicep training of claim 14 further comprising sitting on
a seat of the isolated curl machine prior to extending the at least one
arm and grasping the handle.

17. The method of bicep training of claim 14, wherein the resistance
assembly comprises:a resistance device configured to provide the
resistance;a handle;a cable having a first end and a second end and
configured to transfer the resistance provided by the resistance device
to a user, the cable attached to the handle at the first end and attached
to the resistance device at the second end; anda pulley configured to
guide the first end of the cable downward toward the user.

18. The method of bicep training of claim 19, wherein the resistance
device is a weight stack.

Description:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001]1. Field of the Invention

[0002]The invention relates to exercise equipment and in particular to an
isolated curl machine and method of training.

[0003]2. Related Art

[0004]Traditionally, bicep curls are performed by first grasping a weight
or other resistance and lifting the weight by contracting the biceps. The
contraction of the biceps causes the arm to bend at the elbow as the
resistance is lifted. A bicep curl may be performed one arm at a time or
on both arms simultaneously. Various techniques for performing bicep
curls are known and commonly used such as the preacher curl and the
concentration curl. These techniques rely on the lifting of a resistance
to provide training to the biceps.

[0005]Traditional machines designed for bicep curl exercises, unlike free
weights, may include a structure to limit the user's range of motion to
that of a bicep curl. For example, traditional machines may provide a
surface upon which the user may rest his or her upper arms so that the
biceps are primarily used to lift a resistance. Traditionally, the hands
are extended downward below the elbows when starting the exercise and
then lift the resistance upward to a point higher than the elbows. In
addition, some traditional machines include a rigid pivoting or rotating
structure which may only be moved along an arc corresponding to the arc
made by the user's arm lifting at the elbow. Though such machines may
assist with proper bicep curl technique, training is not as effective as
with the method and apparatus disclosed herein.

[0006]Thus, what is provided herein is a novel isolated curl machine and
method of training.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007]An isolated curl machine for training the biceps is disclosed
herein. In one embodiment, the machine comprises a frame, a seat
configured to allow a user to sit thereon, an arm rest configured to
support at least a portion of at least one of the user's upper arms. The
seat may be secured at the front of the frame, and the arm rest may be
secured above the seat and between the front and the back of the frame.
The machine may include a resistance device configured to provide
resistance, a cable having a first end and a second end and configured to
transfer the resistance provided by the resistance device to the user,
and a pulley configured to accept at least a portion of the cable to
guide the first end of the cable toward the user. The resistance device
may be secured at the back of the frame, and the pulley may be secured at
the top of the frame or at a raised point at least above the arm rest at
a raised point. The second end of the cable will generally be attached to
the resistance device. A handle, which the user may grasp, may be
attached to the first end of the cable.

[0008]Elements of the isolated curl machine may be configured in various
ways. For example, the arm rest may be configured to support at least a
portion of at least one of the user's upper arms substantially
perpendicular from the user's torso. The height of the seat and the
height of the arm rest may be adjustable. The resistance device may vary
as well. In one embodiment, the resistance device comprises a weight
stack. In another embodiment, the resistance device comprises a variable
resistance device.

[0009]In another embodiment, the isolated curl machine comprises a frame,
an arm rest configured to support at least a portion of at least one of
the user's upper arms, and a user engageable resistance assembly
configured to provide resistance to the user whereby the force of the
provided resistance is directed upward and away from the user during a
bicep curl. The resistance assembly may be secured at the back of the
frame. The arm rest may be secured at the front of the frame and between
the top and bottom of the frame. In addition, the arm rest may be
configured to support at least a portion of the user's upper arms
substantially perpendicular from the user's torso.

[0010]The resistance assembly may be configured such that the force of the
resistance provided by the resistance assembly is directed upward and
away from the user's biceps. Also, it is contemplated that the resistance
assembly may be configured such that the force of the resistance provided
by the resistance assembly is directed away from the user.

[0011]In one embodiment, the resistance assembly comprises a resistance
device configured to provide resistance, a handle, a cable having a first
end and a second end and configured to transfer the resistance provided
by the resistance device to the user, and a pulley configured to guide
the first end of the cable toward the user. The cable may be attached to
the handle at the first end and attached to the resistance device at the
second end. In this manner, the resistance assembly may be user
engageable by the user grasping the handle.

[0012]A method of bicep training is also provided. In one embodiment, the
method of bicep training comprises engaging an isolated curl machine. The
isolated curl machine may comprise an arm rest configured to support at
least a portion of at least one of the user's upper arms, a user
engageable resistance assembly configured to provide resistance to the
user whereby the force vector of the provided resistance is directed
upward and away from the user, and a frame configured to support the arm
rest and the resistance assembly.

[0013]According to the method, the user may then engage the resistance
assembly by grasping a portion of the resistance assembly, and move at
least one of the user's forearms from an initial position to an end
position of a bicep curl to move the resistance provided by the
resistance assembly. The user may then return his or her forearm(s) to
the initial position of the bicep curl while engaged to the resistance
assembly.

[0014]The user may engage the isolated curl machine in various ways. For
example, the user may engage the isolated curl machine by placing at
least a portion of at least one of the user's upper arms on the arm rest.
This may occur such that the user's upper arm or arms are supported
substantially perpendicular from the user's torso. In some embodiments,
the isolated curl machine further comprises a seat to support the user's
body. In these embodiments, the user may engage the isolated curl machine
by sitting on the seat with at least one of the user's upper arms
supported by the arm rest.

[0015]The resistance assembly may be configured in various ways. For
example, the resistance assembly may comprise a resistance device
configured to provide the resistance, a handle, a cable having a first
end and a second end and configured to transfer the resistance provided
by the resistance device to the user, and a pulley configured to guide
the first end of the cable downward toward the user. The cable may be
attached to the handle at its first end and attached to the resistance
device at its second end. In this manner, the user may engage the
resistance assembly by grasping the handle. It is noted that the
resistance device may comprise a weight stack, or a variable resistance
generator in one or more embodiments.

[0016]Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention
will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon
examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is
intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and
advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of
the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis
instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.
In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts
throughout the different views.

[0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the
isolated curl machine.

[0019]FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
resistance assembly of the isolated curl machine.

[0020]FIG. 2B is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a
resistance assembly of the isolated curl machine.

[0021]FIGS. 3A-3C is a cross sectional side view illustrating operation of
an embodiment of the isolated curl machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022]In the following description, numerous specific details are set
forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present
invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that
the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In
other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so
as not to obscure the invention.

[0023]The isolated curl machine as disclosed herein allows a resistance to
be moved and bicep training to be achieved generally by a downward
pulling motion. This is in contrast to an upward pulling motion adopted
by the prior art. As will be discussed further below, the isolated curl
machine generally provides resistance from a raised point in front of the
user whereby the user pulls downward toward the user to flex the biceps.
In this manner, a user may pull towards his or her body during training.
This focuses training on the biceps to a degree not achievable with
traditional bicep curls.

[0024]The isolated curl machine will now be described according to the
figures. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the
machine. As shown, the machine has a front 144, a back 148, a top 152,
and a bottom 156 which will generally be defined by the machine's frame
104. In addition, the machine comprises a seat 108 and an arm rest 112 as
well as a resistance assembly 160. The resistance assembly 160 may
comprise a resistance device 120 attached to a user-engageable handle 132
by a cable 128. In these embodiments, the resistance device 120 is
movable by the user pulling the handle 132. It is noted that any device
capable of providing resistance to a user as described herein may be used
as a resistance assembly. It will be understood that the method and
apparatus disclosed herein may be used to train one or both of a user's
biceps as desired.

[0025]The frame 104 may be a rigid structure configured to provide support
for one or more elements of the machine. For example, various elements of
the machine, which will be described further below, may be attached or
otherwise secured to the frame 104. It is contemplated that elements may
be attached in any suitable way including by one or more mechanical or
other fasteners, adhesives, welds, or a combination thereof. One or more
of the elements may be integrally formed as part of the frame 104 in one
or more embodiments as well.

[0026]It will be understood that the frame 104 may be any structure
capable of supporting the elements of the isolated curl machine as
discussed herein. For example, the frame 104 may comprise a plurality of
elongated members such as shown in FIG. 1. These members may be tubes or
bars of various shapes. The members may have a square, rectangular,
round, or "C" shaped, "I" shaped, or other shaped cross section. The
members may be straight along their length or include one or more bends
or curves.

[0027]The structures which make up the frame 104 need not be elongated
members as shown. In some embodiments the frame 104 may comprise one or
more planar or other shaped portions such as one or more plates or flat
surfaces. As stated, any structure or combination of structures capable
of supporting the elements of the isolated curl machine as disclosed
herein may be used as a frame 104.

[0028]The frame 104 will typically be constructed of one or more rigid
materials. Metal such as steel may be used in one or more embodiments.
Other materials may be used as well. For example, plastic, wood,
composites, carbon fiber, alloys may be used to construct the frame 104
in some embodiments.

[0029]In one or more embodiments, the isolated curl machine comprises a
seat 108 attached to the frame 104 at the front 144 of the machine. The
seat 108 supports the user's body during bicep training and is positioned
such that the user may engage the arm rest 112 with at least a portion of
his or her arms. In one or more embodiments, the seat 108, arm rest 112,
or both may be moved upward, downward, forward, backward, or a
combination thereof so that a user may engage the arm rest 112 with at
least a portion of the user's upper arms. In this manner, the user is
ideally positioned to train his or her bicep muscles.

[0030]It is noted that though shown as attached to the remainder of the
isolated curl machine, the seat 108 may be separate from the machine in
some embodiments. Thus, in some embodiments, a seat 108 may not be
required or provided as the user may use an existing seat, a chair, or
similar support instead. Also, the seat 108 may not be required in
embodiments where the machine is configured to be used while standing. It
is noted however that an attached seat 108 provides the advantage of
being stationary relative to the remainder of the machine. In this
manner, exercises performed on the machine may be safer and more
effective.

[0031]An arm rest 112 may be located further towards the back of the
isolated curl machine relative to the seat 108 in one or more
embodiments. The arm rest 112 will generally be located higher than the
seat 108 so that the arm rest may support a seated user's arms.
Typically, but not always, the arm rest 112 will be positioned near the
upper portion of a user's torso such that the user's upper arms may be
supported substantially perpendicular to his or her torso as illustrated
in FIG. 3A. As will be described below, the arm rest 112 may be
adjustable in some embodiments in order to support a user's arms in this
manner.

[0032]In a standing embodiment of the isolated curl machine (e.g. an
embodiment without a seat), the arm rest 112 may be located such that a
user's arms may be supported substantially perpendicular to his or her
torso while the user is standing. Generally, the arm rest 112 will be
located higher in standing embodiments than seated embodiments, such as
the seated embodiments described above. It is contemplated that the arm
rest 112 may be adjustable such as by being raised or lowered or even
tilted to support a user's arms substantially perpendicular to his or her
torso. It is further contemplated that the arm rest 112 may be omitted
and the system enabled for operation without the arm rest.

[0033]The support provided by the arm rest 112 provides the benefit of
focusing training on the biceps. To illustrate, in one or more
embodiments, at least a portion of the user's upper arms may be supported
by the arm rest 112. In this manner, motion is restricted to the user's
forearms which are powered by the biceps. Thus, when a resistance is
moved by the user's forearms such resistance is focused on the biceps.

[0034]As shown, the arm rest 112 is a padded support secured to the frame
104 and having a width sufficient to support both of a user's arms. It is
noted that the arm rest 112 may be configured according to various other
configurations. For example, the arm rest 112 may be padded or unpadded
and may be of various widths. In one embodiment, the arm rest 112 may
only be wide enough to support one arm. In addition, multiple arm rests
112 may be provided in one or more embodiments. For example, individual
arm rests 112 may be provided for each arm.

[0035]It can be seen from the above description that a user may engage the
isolated curl machine by sitting on the seat 108 and placing his or her
upper arms, or a portion thereof, on the arm rest 112. It is noted that
the user may also engage the isolated curl machine by placing his or her
upper arms, or a portion thereof, on the arm rest 112 while standing. As
shown in FIG. 3A, once in this position, the user may begin training his
or her biceps by engaging a resistance assembly 160. Generally, the
resistance assembly 160 comprises the elements of the machine which are
used to provide resistance to a user to train his or her biceps. With
reference to FIG. 1, a resistance assembly 160 may comprise a resistance
device 120, a handle 132, a cable 128, and a pulley 116 at the back 148
of the machine. In one or more embodiments, the cable 128 may be
supported by a pulley 116 at the top 152 of the machine while the
resistance device 120 may be supported by the frame 104 at the bottom 156
of the machine. The pulley and the handle 132 are thus located above the
users elbow and arm rest 112. One end of the cable 128 may be attached to
a handle 132, while the other end of the cable 128 may be attached to the
resistance device 120. A portion of the cable 128 between its ends may be
supported by the pulley 116. During a bicep curl, the user may grasp and
pull the handle 132 downward toward the user to move the resistance
device 120. The pulley 116 translates the force to move the resistance
120 upward.

[0036]It is noted that a handle support 136 may be attached to the frame
in some embodiments to hold the handle 132 when the machine is not in
use. In these embodiments, the handle 132 may be removed from the handle
support 136 prior to bicep training. The handle 132 may then be returned
to the handle support 136 for storage after training is complete.

[0037]Generally, the pulley 116 guides the movement of at least a portion
of the cable 128 as it is pulled. As shown, the pulley 116 comprises a
wheel configured to accept the cable which turns about an axel; however,
pulleys of other configurations may be used. The cable 128 allows the
force of the resistance provided by the resistance device 120 to be
transferred to a user when the user grasps and pulls the handle 132. In
one or more embodiments, the pulley 116 may be positioned (e.g. attached
to the frame) such that it is in front of and above the user. As shown in
FIG. 1, the pulley 116 is attached at the top 152 and back 148 of the
isolated curl machine. In this manner, the pulley 116 rotates and guides
the cable 128 upward from the resistance device 120 and then down and
towards the user. This is advantageous in that the force vectors of the
resistance provided by the resistance device 120 are upward and away from
the user thus allowing the user to pull downward to lift the resistance
as the user performs a bicep curl.

[0038]In fact, user's of the isolated curl machine report that training is
more effectively focused on the biceps when compared to traditional
machines. In addition, those knowledgeable in the art report that the
angle and location of resistance provided by the isolated curl machine
provides a type of exercise which will so develop both muscles that a
"split" between the two muscles of the biceps will form. It is known that
such a split is very difficult to achieve through traditional bicep
training methods and devices.

[0039]The various configurations of the isolated curl machine disclosed
herein provide bicep training but also provide the unexpected result of
training the individual muscles of the bicep. In this manner, the
isolated curl machine may be used to develop the split described above.
As stated, this split is not only difficult to achieve but also highly
desirable especially in body building. In one or more embodiments, the
location of the pulley at a raised point higher than the elbow and in
front of the user provides resistance along a force vector upward and
away from the user which is highly beneficial to training the individual
muscles of the bicep.

[0040]The raised position of the pulley 116 is also beneficial in that it
allows the isolated curl machine to accommodate users of varying heights.
When positioned high on the frame 104, the pulley 116 will likely be
located above most if not all users training on the machine. Thus, short
users, tall users, and those in between may enjoy enhanced bicep training
on the machine because the resistance transferred to a user by the cable
128 is guided to the user from in front of and above the user, regardless
of the user's height.

[0041]The raised position of the pulley 116 also allows the isolated curl
machine to accommodate users having varying arm lengths. When positioned
high on the frame 104, the pulley 116 allows resistance to be provided to
a user from above and in front of the user's arms during a bicep curl,
regardless of the length of the user's arms.

[0042]Of course, the pulley 116 may be positioned at various locations in
one or more embodiments. For example, the pulley 116 may be positioned in
front of and at least above a user's shoulders to allow the resistance to
be transferred to the user by the cable 128 from a raised point in front
of the user. It is noted that the pulley 116 may be positioned lower
however this may result in the cable 128 and thus the resistance becoming
more horizontal. This generally reduces the upward force provided by the
resistance and thus may reduce the effectiveness of bicep training on the
machine.

[0043]Various types and configurations of resistance assemblies 160 having
one or more resistance devices 120 may be provided. For example, as shown
in FIG. 2A, a weight stack may be used as a resistance device 120. In
this embodiment, the resistance device 120 may comprise one or more
individual weights 204, a lifting rod 208, and one or more guides 216.
The lifting rod 208 allows one or more individual weights 204 to be
attached thereto. For example, the lifting rod 208 may include a series
of holes 212 along its length and the weights 204 may include one or more
openings 224 that may be aligned with the holes of the lifting rod. In
this manner, a securing pin 220 may be inserted through an opening 224 of
a weight 204 and into a hole 212 on the lifting rod 208 to secure the
weight to the lifting rod. The securing pin 220 may be repositioned along
the length of the lifting rod 208 to secure more or less weight to the
lifting rod 208 thus adjusting the resistance provided. As shown in FIG.
2A, a single securing pin 220 may secure a plurality of weights 204. Of
course, multiple securing pins 220 may be used if desired. The weights
204 that are not secured to the lifting rod 204 may remain stationary
during bicep exercise and thus do not affect the resistance provided to
the user.

[0044]The lifting rod 204 may be connected to the end of the cable 128
opposite the end of the cable where the handle 132 is attached. In this
manner, pulling the handle 132 pulls the cable 128 and lifting rod 208
and the weights 204 attached thereto. One or more guides 216 may be used
to guide the movement of the weights 204 as they are moved. The guides
216 may comprise rigid bars or the like which run through the one or more
weights 204 of the resistance device 120. In this manner, the weights 204
may move along the guides 216. Guides 216 are beneficial in that they
prevent the weights 204 from swinging as they move during a bicep curl.
However, it is noted that some embodiments may not include guides 216
such as where movement of the weights 204 is already suitably restricted
by other structures or by the configuration of the resistance device 120.
For example, planer or other shaped members which at least partially
surround the weights 204. In one embodiment, these members could be
placed adjacent one or more sides of the weights 204. In this manner,
swinging or other undesired movement would be prevented by the members
adjacent or partially surrounding the weights 204. In another exemplary
embodiment, the one or more weights 204 may be attached to a track to
prevent undesired movement.

[0045]FIG. 2B illustrates another embodiment of a resistance device 120.
In this embodiment, resistance is provided by one or more springs 228
rather than weights. Springs 228 provide the benefit of variable
resistance which allows resistance to increase or decrease as the springs
are stretched. During a bicep curl, a user's arms are generally capable
of exerting more power as they move closer to the user's body. Thus, a
variable resistance is beneficial because the variable resistance may
correspondingly increase as the user's arms move closer to the body. In
addition, a variable resistance may provide a decreased resistance when
the arms are extended and more prone to injury due to their extended
position. The variable resistance may then increase as the arms are moved
towards the body during a bicep curl.

[0046]In the embodiment of FIG. 2B, the resistance device 120 comprises
two springs 228, a lifting mount 236, and a frame mount 232. It is noted
that some embodiments may utilize a single spring 228 or more than two
springs. In addition, though described generally with regard to springs
228, it is contemplated that other variable resistance generators such as
elastic cords and the like may be used in addition to or instead of a
spring to provide variable resistance.

[0047]The lifting mount 236 and frame mount 232 provide structures to
which the ends of the springs 228 may be secured. The springs 228 may be
permanently attached to these mounts by one or more welds. Alternatively,
the springs 228 may be removably attached to these mounts. For example,
the mounts may comprise one or more eyelets or loops which engage hooks
on the springs 228, or vice versa. Removable attachment allows the amount
of resistance provided by the resistance device 120 to be changed. For
example, additional springs 228 may be added or one or more springs may
be replaced with stronger or weaker springs as desired. It is
contemplated that any fastener, structure, adhesive, or the like that is
capable of securing the springs may be used as a lifting mount 236 or
frame mount 232.

[0048]As shown in FIG. 2B, the lifting mount 236 includes a plate-like or
planar structure. This provides an area to which the cable 128 may be
attached. In addition, this provides an area to accommodate two or more
springs 228. Without this area, the springs 228 may not be spaced
sufficiently apart and thus become entangled. Furthermore, the planar
structure may provide guide holes which allow one or more guides 216 to
pass therethrough to guide the movement of the lifting mount 236 and the
springs 228 as they are moved during exercise. Without the guides 216 and
guide holes, the springs 228 may swing about when moved during training.
It is contemplated that other structures may be used to guide the
movement of the lifting mount 236 and springs 228 in one or more
embodiments. For example, the lifting mount 236 may be attached to a
track or be located within an open or closed vertical channel. Guides 216
and guide holes may not be required in all embodiments, as the springs
228 may be suitable stable without them.

[0049]The frame mount 232 may also include a planer structure if desired,
such as for example, to provide sufficient area to allow two or more
springs 228 to be used. Typically, the frame mount 232 will be attached
to the frame 104 at the bottom 156 of the machine. It is noted that a
planar structure may not be provided in all embodiments because one or
more frame mounts 232 may be directly attached to the frame 104 at
varying spaced intervals.

[0050]Other resistance devices 120 may be used with the isolated curl
machine as well, including but not limited to, rotating or friction based
resistance devices. As will be discussed above, the cable 128 and pulley
116 orient the resistance provided by a resistance device 120 so that the
user experiences the force of the resistance from in front of and above
the user. Thus, any resistance device 120 to which the cable 128 may be
attached may be used with the machine. Also, it is noted that one or more
additional pulleys 116 may be used to guide the cable 128 such that it
properly attaches to a resistance device 120. In general, proper
attachment means attaching the cable 128 to a resistance device 120 such
that the resistance provided by the resistance device may be efficiently
transferred along the cable 128 to the user. To illustrate, in FIGS. 2A
and 2B, a pulley 116 is used to guide the cable 128 such that a portion
of the cable attaches to the top of the lifting rod 208 or lifting mount
236 respectively.

[0051]Elements of the isolated curl machine may be adjustable in one or
more embodiments. For example, the seat 108 or arm rest 112 may be
adjustable to accommodate various users. As stated, a user generally
engages the machine by sitting on the seat 108 and placing or resting a
portion of his or her upper arms on the arm rest 112. Thus, the seat 108
may be raised or lowered to allow a user to engage the machine with a
safe and proper body posture. The arm rest 112 rather than the seat 108
may also or alternatively be raised or lowered to allow the user to
engage the machine. In one embodiment, the seat 108, the arm rest 112, or
both may be raised, lowered, or both so that a seated user's arms are
supported such that they are substantially perpendicular to the user's
torso.

[0052]The arm rest 112 may be adjusted in other ways as well. The angle at
which the arm rest 112 is positioned may be rotated such that the user's
upper arms are supported at various angles as desired. Generally, the
user's upper arms will be supported such that they are perpendicular to
the user's torso. However, the arm rest 112 may be adjusted or tilted to
support the upper arms and different angles if desired. For example, the
arm rest 112 may be tiled forward or backward to support the uppers arms
at different angles. It is noted that the arm rest 112 may be tiled left
or right in some embodiments such as to increase or decrease the height
of one arm relative to the user's other arm.

[0053]In addition, an arm rest 112 maybe adjusted by moving the arm rest
left or right on the isolated curl machine relative to the user. In this
manner, the arm rest 112 may be adjusted to support the only the left arm
or the right arm. Where a plurality of arm rests 112 are provided, each
arm rest may be moved left or right so that the arms may be positioned
closer or further apart during bicep training. This is advantageous in
that users of different sizes may use the machine comfortably. Of course,
as stated, a single arm rest 112 may be configured such that it is wide
enough so that left or right adjustment is not required.

[0054]Operation of the isolated curl machine will now be described with
regard to FIGS. 3A-3C. These figures illustrate a user performing a bicep
curl on the machine. A cross-sectional view of the machine is provided to
better illustrate its operation. As will be described further below and
as shown in these figures, the resistance provided to a user is in front
of and above the user. Though described with regard to one embodiment of
the machine, it will be understood that other embodiments of the machine,
such as those disclosed herein, may operate in like manner. In addition,
though described regarding both of a user's arms, bicep training may take
place on a single arm or on both arms simultaneously on the machine.

[0055]In FIG. 3A, a user has engaged the machine by sitting on the seat
108 and placing or resting his or her upper arms on the arm rest 112. The
user has also engaged the resistance assembly 160 by extending his or her
arms and grasping a handle 132 of the assembly. As shown, the user's
upper arms are supported such that they are substantially perpendicular
to the user's torso. This will generally be known as the initial or
starting position of a bicep curl on the machine.

[0056]It can be seen that a cable 128 is attached to the resistance device
120 on one end while attached to the handle 132 on the other end. The
force of the resistance provided by the resistance device 120 is thus
transferred along the cable 128. The cable 128 is guided by a pulley 116
at the top of the machine such that the cable runs upward from the
resistance device 120 and down and towards the user. Thus, as shown, the
force of the resistance is upward and away from the user.

[0057]The user has adjusted the resistance device 120 to provide the
desired amount of resistance. In FIG. 3A, the user has inserted a
securing pin 220 on the fourth weight 204 of the weight stack to select
the desired amount of resistance. In other embodiments, such as an
embodiment having a variable resistance, the user may add, remove, or
replace, one or more springs or the like to achieve the desired amount of
resistance. It is noted that the amount of resistance provided by the
isolated curl machine may be adjusted at any time.

[0058]In this embodiment, the user experiences little or no resistance in
the initial position. As can be seen, the resistance provided by the
resistance device 120 has not been moved. Of course, in some embodiments,
the machine may be configured such that the user must move a resistance
to get into the initial position. For example, in these embodiments, the
user must grasp and pull the resistance via the handle 132 at least
slightly to get into the initial position.

[0059]In FIG. 3B, the user has pulled the handle 132 towards his or her
body. This has pulled the attached cable 128 and weights 204 of the
resistance assembly. Thus, the user has moved the resistance provided by
the resistance device 120 by pulling the handle 132. As can be seen, the
pulling motion is accomplished by applying the strength of the user's
biceps to bend the user's arms at their elbows. This is illustrated by
the arrow in FIG. 3B. The user's upper arms are supported by the arm rest
112 and thus the user's effort or strength is concentrated at the biceps
when the user pulls the handle 132. In this manner, the user raises the
upper four weights 204 of the resistance device 120 which have been
secured to the cable 128 by a lifting bar 208 and a securing pin 220
inserted into the lifting bar. It can also be seen from FIG. 3B that as
the handle 132 is pulled, the cable 128 is guided by the pulley 116 such
that the force of the resistance remains upward and away from the user.

[0060]In FIG. 3C, the user continues to pull the handle 132 towards his or
her body to an end position. The end position generally defines the end
of the pulling portion of a single bicep curl. Once the handle 132 has
been pulled by the user's arms to the end position the user may reduce
his or her pulling force to allow the handle and his or her arms to
return to the initial position.

[0061]The force of the resistance will return the handle 132 to its
initial position as illustrated in FIG. 3A. Thus, the user may continue
to train his or her biceps when returning to the initial position by
slowing the return of the handle 132 to its initial position. To
illustrate, the user may exert a force through his or her biceps to slow
the return of the handle 132. As the handle 132 returns the attached
cable 128 and weight 204 or other resistance also return to their initial
positions so that another bicep curl may be performed. The force of the
resistance during the return to the initial position remains upward and
away from the user in this embodiment.

[0062]It is contemplated that the operation of the isolated curl machine
described with regard to FIGS. 3A-3C will typically occur in a continuous
motion from the initial position to the end position. The user may pause
or hold the end position for a time and then return, in a continuous
motion, from the end position back to the initial position. The user may
perform one or more bicep curl repetitions as desired or according to one
or more training routines or guidelines.

[0063]As stated, the force of the resistance provided by the resistance
device is guided by the isolated curl machine's pulley such that the
force is pointed upward and away from the user. Thus, during a bicep
curl, the user's biceps must overcome this force by applying an opposite
force. Traditional bicep curls utilize a downward force which does not
provide training as effective as the force provided by the isolated curl
machine.

[0064]In addition, the isolated curl machine provides a generally
horizontal arm support which supports the upper arms substantially
perpendicular from the user's torso in one or more embodiments. This is
distinct from traditional curl machines such as preacher curl machines
which provide an angled support of the upper arms where the upper arms
are supported such that they point downward.

[0065]As is known, each bicep has two muscles and achieving definition
between these two muscles is difficult to obtain and highly desirable in
the art. The unique aspects, such as the unique resistance and arm
support just described, of the isolated curl machine allow the machine to
provide bicep training and make the machine ideally suited to allow a
user to achieve increased muscle definition of the biceps. It is
specifically contemplated that the machine may be used to develop
definition between the two muscles of each bicep because of the unique
resistance and arm support provided by the machine as discussed herein.

[0066]While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more
embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of
this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, and
embodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in any
combination or arrangement.